# Elon Musk Ignites Debate Over Cheating Allegations in *Diablo 4* and *Path of Exile 2*

Elon Musk, the entrepreneur known for SpaceX, Tesla, and the contentious rebranding of Twitter to X, is once again at the center of a heated discussion. This controversy, however, arises not from his corporate endeavors or political affiliations but rather from his conduct in the gaming arena. Musk recently confessed to circumventing the rules in two of the leading online action role-playing games (ARPGs), *Diablo 4* and *Path of Exile 2*, igniting outrage among gamers and prompting inquiries into the ethics of prominent individuals in the gaming scene.

## The Genesis of the Controversy

The controversy initiated during Musk’s guest appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast in November, where he showcased his gaming accomplishments. Proclaiming himself to be in the top 20 *Diablo 4* players worldwide, Musk’s claims were met with doubt from the gaming community. Numerous individuals questioned how someone managing multiple companies and supporting Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid could allocate time to attain such a high status in an infamously grind-intensive game.

As doubts swirled, Musk reinforced his assertions, insisting that he had reached the apex of an unofficial *Diablo 4* leaderboard “by quite some margin.” Nevertheless, experienced players began to investigate his gameplay, identifying discrepancies that hinted at foul play.

## Musk’s Confession: Account Boosting and Real Money Trading

The reality emerged when Musk confessed to YouTuber NikoWrex that he had participated in “account boosting,” a contentious practice where proficient players receive compensation to enhance characters on behalf of others. In direct messages disclosed by NikoWrex, Musk rationalized his conduct, stating, “It’s impossible to beat players in Asia if you don’t.” This admission validated suspicions within the gaming community: Musk’s successes were not entirely attributable to his own efforts.

But the disclosures didn’t cease there. Musk also alluded to engaging in real money trading (RMT) for in-game items, a practice widely criticized and usually directly forbidden by game developers. RMT compromises game integrity by enabling players to acquire powerful items with actual currency, resulting in an unbalanced competitive environment. When questioned about whether he would apologize to the *Path of Exile 2* community for his actions, Musk brushed off the notion, saying, “What would I be apologizing for?”

## The Gaming Community Responds

The response from the gaming community has been one of disappointment, anger, and mockery. Both *Diablo 4* and *Path of Exile 2* feature stringent terms of service that categorically prohibit account boosting and RMT. Many players believe that Musk’s conduct not only breaches these regulations but also sets a negative precedent for the gaming community, especially considering his notable status.

On social media channels like Reddit and Twitter (or X, as Musk has rebranded it), gamers have expressed their disapproval vocally. Some have urged Blizzard Entertainment (*Diablo 4*’s developer) and Grinding Gear Games (*Path of Exile 2*’s developer) to take measures against Musk’s accounts. Others have ridiculed Musk’s seemingly compulsive need to cheat, with memes circulating that draw parallels between his gaming actions and his contentious business dealings.

Key personalities in the gaming landscape have also weighed in. Well-known Twitch streamers and YouTubers have criticized Musk’s actions, contending that they diminish the efforts and commitment of honest players. “Gaming is meant to showcase skill and perseverance,” one streamer stated. “When someone like Musk cheats, it conveys the message that rules don’t apply if you’re wealthy and famous.”

## What Lies Ahead for the Developers?

As the controversy develops, attention is shifting to how the developers of *Diablo 4* and *Path of Exile 2* will react. Both firms have historically maintained a tough stance against cheating and rule-breaking. For instance, Blizzard has previously banned thousands of accounts for breaching its terms of service, while Grinding Gear Games is known for promptly tackling issues related to RMT and account boosting.

However, the circumstances are convoluted by Musk’s celebrity status. While some contend that he should encounter the same repercussions as any other player, others speculate about whether the developers will hesitate to act against such a prominent figure. Thus far, neither Blizzard nor Grinding Gear Games has released an official comment on the issue.

## Musk’s Evasion and the Broader Context

Despite the criticism, Musk seems undeterred by the uproar. When asked if he would contemplate streaming with leading *Path of Exile 2* content creators to address the controversy, he sidestepped the question, asserting that he would be occupied preparing for the presidential transition in support of Donald Trump’s administration. This reaction has only